9 Fantastic Food Tours in Cape Town in 2026

READY TO BOOK THE BEST FOOD TOUR IN CAPE TOWN?

Cape Town is a city with one of the best food scenes in the world! I am not exaggerating when I say I did not have one bad meal when I visited, and I was there for two months. If you really want to delve into Cape Town’s food culture, booking a food tour is the best way to do it.

In this guide, I will share the best food tours in Cape Town. There is everything from historical food tours like this Flavors to Freedom tour to tours that take you outside of Cape Town to the township of Langa, like this Food, History, Culture & Storytelling tour (I did this tour, and it was one of my favorite things I did in Cape Town).

Cape Town’s food scene is unreal but can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to eat. That is why doing a food tour is such a great way to try local food and discover places you probably wouldn’t have found on your own.

That being said, I have found 11 incredible food tours in Cape Town, so all you have to do is find a tour, book it, and go!

My Top 3 Picks: Best Food Tours in Cape Town

11 Fantastic Food Tours in Cape Town

1. Cape Town: Culinary Walking Tour with Food Tastings

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

Cape Town’s food scene is one of the most layered and culturally rich you’ll find anywhere in the world, and this tour is designed to take you right to the heart of it. Starting in the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap, you’ll get a taste of Cape Malay tradition, a cuisine shaped by centuries of history, spice, and community.

From there, the tour takes you through busy streets and hidden spots most people never find. You’ll taste traditional African dishes, mixed in with food brought by different communities who’ve made Cape Town home over the years. Each dish represents a different piece of the city’s cultural mix. And at every stop, you’ll hear the stories and meet the people behind what you’re eating.

“If you’re looking for a unique cultural tour that highlights the richness of Cape Town’s multicultural heritage, this is the perfect choice. Our tour began around 11 AM in the vibrant Bo-Kaap area, known for its colorful houses and deep-rooted history. We were part of a small group, which made the experience feel intimate and personal. Our guide, Lindy, was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and accommodating, sharing insights about the city’s diverse cultures and histories. The food stops were a highlight—each restaurant was a local favorite, and we were welcomed not just as guests, but as friends. We sampled a wide variety of traditional dishes including samosas, braai, chocolate, curry, spiced potatoes, mopane worms, rooibos tea, and milk cake. Every bite told a story. This tour is more than just a culinary journey—it’s a deep dive into the soul of Cape Town. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the city beyond the” – read more reviews

In between the stops, you’ll take a breather with floral teas and rusks made from fynbos, the indigenous plants that grow wild across the Western Cape.

By the time it’s over, you’ll have covered a lot of ground. Come with an empty stomach and a curiosity for the city’s story, and you’ll leave with both a full belly and a much richer understanding of what makes Cape Town’s food culture so special.

2. Eat African With Me: Food, History, Culture & Storytelling

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

Step into Langa, Cape Town’s oldest township, for a walking tour that goes beyond sightseeing. This is a journey through food, history, and culture and one that shows you the real side of the neighborhood.

The tour kicks off at Guga S’thebe Cultural Centre, a community hub where local artists showcase their work. From there, you’ll head to Waya Rostile for your first tasting, where you will enjoy roasted bread that’s golden and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Next up is Eziko Culinary School, where freshly baked scones are served warm with jam, cheese, or butter, with every bite supporting young locals training to build a career in the kitchen.

A short walk brings you to Licks Tavern, a spot that carries more weight than most. During the apartheid era, it served as a secret gathering place for activists.

Then, you will head to Nomzamo Butchery, where you’ll dig into a plate of pap, chakalaka, and sausage, and this isn’t all. There are several more stops, and after the tour, you will be feeling full and have a deeper understanding of township food and culture. I really enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it during your visit to Cape Town.

There are no reviews of this tour online because it is just one guy running it and it is a newish tour. His name is Phumelele Ndwe and he lives in Langa. He is incredibly sweet and so knowledgeable. I promise you will have the best time.

3. Cape Town: The Flavours to Freedom Tour

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

Cape Town has one of the most complex and painful histories, and this food tour doesn’t shy away from any of it. From slavery and colonization to apartheid and racial oppression, this is a culinary journey through the stories that shaped the city and the dishes that were born from survival, resistance, and forced migration.

The tour begins in the Company’s Garden, one of Cape Town’s oldest pieces of cultivated land. Over two indigenous teas paired with a traditional Hertzoggie and a savoury bite made from local ingredients,

“We took the Flavours to Freedom tour in early November with Justin for an afternoon all around Cape Town. The tour focused not just on food but the history behind the food and why food had made its way to Cape Town. We loved the few food stops we made and we loved the way Justin talked us through the origins of various different types of food. A huge bonus was seeing the various streets and alleys of Cape Town; we never would have done something like this on our own. Loved this tour!!!!” – read more reviews

Moving through the city’s historic streets, the narrative shifts to colonial life and the enslaved people whose hands and cultures quietly shaped so much of what Cape Town is today. A carefully put-together platter of flavours from South Africa and across the African continent is served alongside a local beer or soft drink.

Later, a boerie roll with chakalaka, a proper South African classic, is served with wine or beer (vegetarian and gluten-free options available), and the conversation turns to the apartheid era and the city’s long road toward transformation.

The tour closes with locally distilled gin, a handcrafted chocolate bonbon, and a bite of biltong or olives. The final discussion looks at how historic buildings have been reclaimed and repurposed and how local communities are being empowered.

4. Food Tour in “Little Mogadishu,” Bellville, Cape Town

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours and 30 minutes | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

This food tour takes you deep into Bellville’s “Little Mogadishu,” a neighborhood that has quietly undergone a remarkable transformation with reduced crime, renewed public spaces, and a thriving immigrant food scene that deserves far more attention than it gets.

The experience is built around Cape Town’s East African immigrant community, the Somali, and Ethiopian entrepreneurs, chefs, and business owners who have breathed new life into Bellville and made it one of the city’s most culturally rich corners.

“I did the Little Mogadishu tour with Unexplored Cape Town and it was an extraordinary experience. Not only because the food was very good, but because it gave me the opportunity to discover a completely different side of Cape Town. Belleville is far from the city center, and it is absolutely worth the visit. Simply walking through the streets is already a powerful experience of immersion.
I’m truly grateful for the sensitivity with which the guide shares the history and culture, for the genuine care they show to the local community, and for how thoughtfully they choose the places — not just for the food, but for the importance these businesses have within the community. On top of everything, the food was absolutely incredible.” – read more reviews

You’ll visit four authentic hidden gem restaurants and community kitchens, sampling traditional Somali, Ethiopian, and South African dishes. But it’s not just about the food.

Along the way, you’ll get a taste of Somali and Ethiopian coffee culture, and you’ll discover traditional cultural shops unique to this part of the city. It’s a fascinating look at how immigrant communities have shaped Bellville.

5. African Food and Storytelling Tour in Cape Town City Centre

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 2-3 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

This isn’t your average food tour. Yes, there’s plenty to eat, but this Food and Storytelling Tour is really about the bigger picture: how food, history, public spaces, and entrepreneurship are all woven together, and how forces like gentrification continue to reshape the city’s inner core.

Over eight stops, you’ll visit hidden community kitchens, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and South African-owned food businesses, each with its own story to tell.

“Our tour guide Shihaam Isaacs was lovely and very knowledgeable. She is on time as what was specified on the tour and greeted us with a smile. This experience has been a great experience one of the best I would say if you really want to be immersed on the diverse culture of cape town. The delicacies we tasted are as diverse as the stories we have heard. We tasted Somalian, Creole and Senegalese Cuisine and ended the tour meeting a guy called Khadim who escaped Senegal and travelled to come to Cape Town with just his dreams. This is told through over a wonderful senegalese coffee preparation and experience. This is truly a Gem and must try experience!” – read more reviews

Three food experiences in total, including two warm shared meals and a snack tasting with both warm and cold drinks, so come with an appetite.

Along the way, you’ll get to meet the small business owners behind it all: people who bring together a love of food and storytelling in ways that feel personal and rooted in the city.

6. The Cape Town Essentials Food Tour

⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

Spend a half-day wandering through Cape Town’s streets on this guided walking tour that puts food front and center. Your guide leads a small group (capped at 12 people) to both well-known spots and tucked-away favorites you’d likely miss exploring solo.

“The Cape Town food tasting tour was an absolute highlight of my visit. It was the perfect blend of incredible flavors, local culture, and storytelling. Each stop introduced us to authentic dishes that truly reflect the city’s rich heritage, from traditional Cape Malay flavors to modern local cuisine. Our guide was knowledgeable, warm, and passionate, sharing fascinating insights about Cape Town’s history, neighborhoods, and food traditions, which made every tasting even more meaningful. The portions were generous, the quality was excellent, and everything was thoughtfully curated.” – read more reviews

Along the way, you’ll sample food and drinks at local eateries in Bo-Kaap and De Waterkant while hearing stories about the city’s culinary traditions and past.

7. Franschhoek: Culinary Walking Tour with Wine Tasting

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

This tour takes you through Franschhoek, one of South Africa’s most celebrated food and wine destinations. Your guide, a local who knows the village well, leads you along oak-lined streets to a handpicked selection of cafés, wine bars, and boutique eateries that between them tell the story of Franschhoek’s remarkable culinary identity.

That story stretches all the way back to 1688, when French Huguenot settlers arrived and began shaping the valley’s culture, architecture, and food traditions in ways still felt today.

“Not to be missed. The Franschoek Food Tour with Justin. What didn’t he know about coffee, food, wine, history, foraging, customs … the list is endless. He really enriched our stay and increased our knowledge of this complex, beautiful country. Thank you!” – read more reviews

You’ll taste artisan coffee and freshly baked pastries, followed by Cape-inspired plates, hand-crafted brews, and wines that showcase just how special this valley’s terroir really is. The tour ends at a wine estate perched above the valley, where you’ll raise a glass of sparkling wine and take in sweeping views of the mountains.

8. Cape Town: Local street food tour

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

A street food tour through Langa Township is one of the best ways to get a real taste of the area’s food culture and history. Walking through the streets, you’ll find vendors selling everything from South African classics to dishes with Indian and African roots with most of it cooked right in front of you.

A few things you can look forward to trying are bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread stuffed with spicy curry, which has its origins in South Africa’s Indian community. These days, it’s considered a South African staple, and Langa’s street stalls serve some great versions.

You’ll also come across boerewors rolls, which are grilled boerewors sausage tucked into a soft roll and topped with chutney or tomato sauce. It’s simple and perfect for eating while you walk.

“Thando is a very nice guy and a good guide who will get tell you enhousiasticly about the Langa Township. The culture, the people, the food, the history and the future. We are very happy we booked this tour. The local food was fantastic. We had an amazing afternoon and felt safe every minute.” – read more reviews

One of the highlights of any Langa food tour is a street braai, where meat gets grilled over open flames and people gather around to eat and hang out.

To wash it all down, you’ll grab some freshly made ginger beer. Beyond just the food, you’ll have a chance to chat with vendors and get a better sense of the community and its history.

9. Cape Town: Full Day Winelands Tour With Wine Tasting & Food

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: All Day | 🇿🇦 Check Rates and Availability

Spend a day exploring the Cape Winelands. You’ll travel in a private luxury car or a comfortable, air-conditioned bus, stopping at vineyards across three of the region’s most famous wine areas: Paarl, Franschhoek, and Stellenbosch.

The tour kicks off in Paarl, known for its cheese and wine pairings and sweeping vineyard views. From there, you’ll head to Franschhoek, a historic French enclave that’s considered the birthplace of South African winemaking. The mountain scenery here is stunning, and the wine culture runs deep.

Next stop is Stellenbosch, a university town with a laid-back vibe and some impressive wine estates. This is where you’ll taste Pinotage, a grape variety that was developed in South Africa.

“Fantastic. Great guide. Well selected wineries and experiences.” – read more reviews

Lunch is included, served at one of the vineyards with vegetarian options available. One of the stops on the tour is a former French-run slave farm that’s been transformed into a community-driven wine project.

Throughout the day, you’ll taste a range of wines: South Africa’s sparkling Cap Classique, rich ports, sweet dessert wines, and plenty of reds and whites. There’s also chocolate tasting thrown in.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

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Food Tours in Cape Town: FAQS

How long do food tours typically last?

Most food tours in Cape Town run for around 3 to 4 hours, though some longer tours can stretch to 5 or 6 hours. It’s worth checking the duration before you book, especially if you have other plans for the day.

What food will I try on a Cape Town food tour?

Expect a real mix. Cape Town’s food scene is incredibly diverse, so depending on your tour, you might try Cape Malay curries, bobotie, braai meats, fresh oysters, bunny chow, vetkoek, melktert, and plenty of other South African classics. Many tours also include stops at artisan bakeries, specialty coffee shops, and local delis.

How much food is served, and will I leave full?

You should leave comfortably full, if not completely stuffed. Most tours are designed so that the portions across all the stops add up to roughly the equivalent of a big meal. It’s best not to eat before the tour.

Are drinks (wine, beer, cocktails) included?

It depends on the tour. Some include a glass of wine or a local beer at certain stops, while others are food-only. If drinks are important to you, check before booking or look specifically for a food and wine pairing tour where drinks are central to the experience.

Are the tours suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

Many tour operators can accommodate vegetarians and vegans, but make sure you ask before booking.

How far do you walk?

Typically between 1 – 3 miles, depending on the tour. It’s not usually a strenuous amount, but it’s worth wearing comfortable shoes regardless, especially if the tour covers cobblestoned streets like those in Bo-Kaap.

How many stops are included on a typical food tour?

Most tours include 4 – 8 stops. Some of these will be sit-down tastings; others will be more casual, grabbing something to eat at a market stall or trying a sample at a deli counter.

How many people are usually in a food tour group?

Group sizes vary but most tours cap out at around 10 to 15 people. Smaller groups tend to offer a better experience since you get more time with your guide, and it’s easier to get in and out of smaller venues. If you want something more intimate, look for tours that advertise small group sizes or go for a private option.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Cape Town’s weather can shift quickly, so it’s worth bringing a light jacket even on a sunny day.

Should I eat before a food tour?

Try not to, or at least keep it very light. You’ll want to arrive with a decent appetite so you can actually enjoy everything on the tour. A coffee beforehand is fine, but a full breakfast or lunch beforehand will leave you struggling by the third stop.

Are Cape Town food tours suitable for kids?

Yes! Food tours in Cape Town are great for kids, and they tend to love the variety of foods and the relaxed, stop-and-go pace. That said, it’s worth checking with the operator just to make sure.

Are food tours accessible for people with mobility issues?

It depends on the specific tour and neighborhood. Some areas, like Bo-Kaap, involve steep, uneven streets that can be challenging for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Always check with the operator before booking, and let them know your situation. They may be able to adjust the route.

Do I need to tip the guide at the end?

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it is customary and very much appreciated. If your guide did a great job, a tip of R100–R200 per person is a nice gesture.

Planning a trip to Cape Town? Check out this article!

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Travel Resources

First off, if you want to browse all my favorite travel resources, check out my Travel Resources page.

Trip Planning: I have put together the ultimate trip planning guide that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip.

Book your Flight: Check out Momondo! They are my go to for booking flights. Airfarewatchdog is also a favorite of mine. I get notified by email every time there is a good deal from my local airport. WayAway is also a good option. They list mistake fares so many times, you can get an international ticket for as little as $300!

Book your Transportation: Busbud is usually where I check first. They check hundreds of different transportation companies all over the world and find you the best bus deal. Flixbus is one of my favorite cheap options for Europe. The buses generally aren’t too bad, and they go to most countries around Europe. It’s the perfect option for short distances. Train travel is my favorite mode of transportation, and I always use Rail Europe to book my tickets. If you need a transfer from the airport or if you are going somewhere where transport is limited (like a festival in the middle of nowhere or even a day trip) Welcome Pickups is a great option. I have used them on multiple occasions, and you can book a ride 5 hours in advance!

Book your Accommodation: My number one is Booking. If you book enough hotels from them, you can get huge discounts and perks like free breakfast and room upgrade. On a budget and looking for cheap accommodation? Hostelworld is my preferred site to book cheap and reliable hostels. Hotwire has a fun mystery to it. It’s a great site to use for last-minute bookings. They don’t actually tell you the name of the hotel when you are browsing. You will just get the area of the city it’s in, the price, and how many stars it has. I love the surprise aspect of it! Traveling to Asia? Agoda is the best accommodation booking site! If you are traveling with a big group, Vrbo is a good option. They have a huge selection of vacation rentals. Hotellook allows you to compare hotel prices around the world, so you can find the best deal!

Book your Travel Insurance: Getting travel insurance is such a crucial part of preparing for a trip. You never know what could happen, and why take the risk? Before I travel anywhere, I always book my insurance through Visitors Coverage.

Book your Activities: Now, you have planned all the logistics, time to think about what you will do once you get to your destination! These are a few of my favorite trip planning sites. I always use Get Your Guide and Viator when I am looking for tours. If you are traveling to Asia, Klook is widely used to book activities. Go City sells tickets to top attractions for up to 65% off. Eat With allows you to book dinners or cooking classes with local families. If you enjoy self-guided walking tours, We Go Trip has audio guides you can download. Big Bus Tours offers open-top sightseeing tours.

Store Your Luggage: Do you have a long layover or a late flight and need to store your luggage? Radical Storage has got you covered.

Get an eSim: Airlalo has been an amazing way for me to stay connected on the road. They have eSims in 200 countries and set up is super easy.